Central Abbotsford

One of the unique aspects of our gatherings at Central Abbotsford is that 51 weeks out of the year (excepting only the week between Christmas and New Year’s), we host a dinner before our worship service. It has been a priority of ours since the launch of this site, and one that I am more than happy to continue to champion as integral to the identity of this local expression of God’s church.

There are a number of reasons why we see dinner as an important part of our gatherings. 

From a practical perspective, it is a means by which we can bless our community. Although we suggest a $6 donation to cover our costs, this is purely a suggestion and by no means a requirement. You are free to give any amount you’d like, and if your budget doesn’t allow for it, then it is our joy to offer up the meal as a gift for you to enjoy! Please, please, never feel as though there is an obligation or expectation for payment.

From a different practical perspective, we also recognize that a church service that runs from 5:30 until around 6:45 makes scheduling a dinnertime awkward. I’m sure that you’ve noticed the increasing number of small humans that comprise an ever-growing percentage of our church family’s population, and I’m sure the Northview Kids staff and volunteers prefer having them attend with full stomachs!

But, there is also a theological reason for why we host the meal. We know, from Acts 2:42, that the early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” As we’ve been walking through 1 Corinthians over the past year, we have also seen how dining together (or, more accurately, dining separately) was causing divisions in Corinth (re-read chapter 11 if you need a refresher on this). Historically, food has been a meaningful part of gathering.

And not without good reason. Many of the recorded dialogues in the Gospel accounts between Jesus and His disciples took place while they were reclining at table. Jesus performed his first miracle at a wedding feast, and used that imagery in His teaching and parables frequently. Indeed, incorporated into our eternal hope is a meal – the marriage supper of the Lamb. Revelation 19 tells of the feast that will accompany the great reconciliation of Christ and His purified Bride, the church. Sharing food has a strong Biblical throughline from creation to restoration.

So, when you join us for dinner this weekend, keep in mind that eating together is an important symbol of unity, and eating together as a church is a (literal and figurative) foretaste of the heavenly realm.

See you Saturday,

Eric

PS – Our kitchen teams could always use more people to help, whether serving during the meal (usually from about 4:15-5:30) or helping with preparation (a little bit longer of a time commitment). If you’d like to join, please email me at eheath@northview.org or Carrie at cmotz@northview.org. You can also click here to fill out our online Serve Card, or grab a hard copy to fill out this weekend!